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22203 messages,  Last post on May 15, 2013 at 12:39 PM

You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Porsche, Jaguar, Audi, Maserati, Maybach, Car Comparisons, Coupe, Convertible, Sedan

Messages Page 2215 of 2221

#22135 of 22203 Wow... by carnaught

Jan 08, 2011 (7:44 am)

What happened to this board (wind blowing through broken/boarded-up windows, tumbleweed blowing across the path)?
 
Why...it's deserted here......(owl hooting, shutters flapping).

#22136 of 22203 Re: Wow... [carnaught] by warthog

Jan 09, 2011 (3:54 pm)

Replying to: carnaught (Jan 08, 2011 7:44 am)
The Recession Gang rode through town. All the good folks left.

#22137 of 22203 Re: Wow... [warthog] by cdnpinhead

Jan 09, 2011 (6:20 pm)

Replying to: warthog (Jan 09, 2011 3:54 pm)
All the good folks left.
 
Along with the rest of us, many are over discussing their conquests in the stock market.
 
Cars, who needs stinkin' luxury cars?
 
Apparently, not this group.

#22139 of 22203 Press request by KarenS HOST

Jan 20, 2011 (12:33 pm)

Did you choose your new car because of the infotainment technology features it offered? Might you be tempted to replace a used car that feels out of date from an infotainment technology standpoint? If so a reporter wants to interview you. Please email predmunds.com by Tuesday, January 25, 2010 with your daytime contact info and a few words on the topic.

#22141 of 22203 "Dirty" Diesel by Kellbone

Feb 07, 2011 (9:39 am)

What specifically makes diesel fuel "dirty" as many posts contained herein state? Diesel fuel in the U. S. and Canada and Europe no longer has any more than 15 parts per million (virtually zero) of sulfur in the fuel. It's illegal for any U.S. refining and marketing company to produce diesel fuel containing more than that. Diesel fuel about 5 to 10 years ago had anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 ppm. Every refinery in the U. S. has converted to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. Unless I'm missing something, I would like to know what remains in diesel fuel that would make people still consider it "dirty". Perhaps one of the chemical engineers from a refining company can enlighten us more.

#22142 of 22203 Re: "Dirty" Diesel [Kellbone] by james27

Feb 07, 2011 (3:41 pm)

Replying to: Kellbone (Feb 07, 2011 9:39 am)
It does make more of a mess if you happen to drip some on your hands or shoes because it is closer to oil and less volatile. Other than that, many people still remember driving behind a truck or bus and nearly choking on the black cloud. True, that normally doesn't happen anymore, but memories are long. I truely wish more of the top performing diesel engines available elsewhere made it to the USA...I waited over a year for a promised BMW model to find it is likely still at least 18-months (or more) away. Broke down and bought the gasoline version.

#22143 of 22203 Re: "Dirty" Diesel [Kellbone] by tmakogon

Mar 31, 2011 (8:05 pm)

Replying to: Kellbone (Feb 07, 2011 9:39 am)
The diesel engines work at higher pressures. Gasoline engine pre-ignition compression is 150-200 psi. Diesel compression is 350-600 psi. Working under higher pressure, diesels are noisier and slower. This higher pressure also requires a heavier and stronger diesel engine block. That's why you don't see diesels in Formula or luxury cars - too heavy, lower RPMs, and more contaminants. Diesel is mainly used in tractors, boats and locomotives, where weight and emissions are not a key issue. Diesels do though generate more power from the same mass of fuel.
 
Besides the higher pressure there's a different combuston cycle and release from diesel of nitrogen oxides NOx, which are toxic and reportedly linked to sudden infant death syndrome. NOx emissions led Benz to use urea injection to get diesel exhaust to pass emissions regulations, marketed as Bluetec. BMW responded with Advanced Diesel. I think I only saw one or two Bluetecs on the streets. This different combustion often leads to soot, smoke and contaminants in the exhaust and deposits buildup in the engine.
 
Other than that a gasoline engine burning oil can smoke even more.

#22144 of 22203 I need help by blckislandguy

Apr 04, 2011 (6:36 pm)

I've been looking at a bunch of cars and I need some help. Maybe even a shrink. I live non-metro (ie. West of I495) New England and have the itch to buy a Euro sedan. I need some room to stretch on a trip to Maine or Western New York and AWD to handle winter. My present fleet has the bases covered (a late model pickup for snow days; a Porsche Cayenne for putzing around town) but I'd like to get a snazzier set of wheels for long trips and maybe nights on the town. Here are some of the cars I've been looking at. I'd welcome your feedback.
 
1) S550: too much baggage, trying too hard
2) E Class: a little boring, a little steriotypical
3) A8: bland exterior styling
4) A6: good pricing, last year for V8
5) Porsche Pamamera: good pricing, a little small for a trip to Buffalo
6) LR4 : the Section 179 makes it a very good deal for a biz owner
7) 7 Series: not that pricey if you order with 'minimal options" , OK handling with short wheel base and ARS , but long term reliability?
8) Lexus: Yawn
9) Jag: no AWD means I don't get home at night
8) 5 Series: OK but can get pricey if you check the boxes like "leather" (imagine a car for this MSRP with leather as an extra cost option!)

Messages Page 2215 of 2221

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